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Creating Small Schools
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Creating Small Schools
A Handbook for Raising Equity and Achievement



May 2007 | 248 pages | Corwin

"A terrific manual for small schools or conversion efforts. Provides a logical road map and tools, and shows educators how to lead groups and engage the community in the rebuilding effort."
—Sue Showers, Educational Consultant

Bigger is not necessarily better.

While current research shows that comprehensive high schools remain the norm, effective small-scale high schools feature lower student-to-teacher ratios, longer instructional blocks, more parent involvement, and increased advisory and student support. The resulting instructional benefits include reduced dropout rates, increased attendance, higher student achievement, and fewer discipline problems.

Based on the authors' work at the nationally renowned Center for Collaborative Education, Creating Small Schools presents an A–to–Z guide for developing small school communities that personalize the educational experience for all students, helping them form lasting bonds with faculty and ultimately increasing their chances of going to college.

Success for students and schools depends on small class size, unifying vision, autonomy, and accountability. This research-based guidebook offers school leaders:

  • Ways to establish new schools or convert existing ones
  • Step-by-step instructions for developing a small schools plan
  • Lessons, case studies, practical tools, advice, and vignettes
  • Guidance for forging partnerships with district administration and the community

Discover how small schools can effectively reach and motivate underserved learners, and watch as achievement levels rise for all students.


 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
Part I. Creating Small Schools
 
1. Introduction: Key Components of Successful Small Schools
 
2. Launching Small Schools in a Community
 
3. Converting Large Schools to Small
 
4. Building Partnerships to Sustain Small Schools
 
Part II. Learning and Achievement in Each Small School
 
5. Teaching, Learning, and Assessment for High Achievement for All Learners
 
6. Restructuring the School for Personalization
 
7. Building a Culture of Adult Learning and Collaboration
 
8. The Practice of a Collaborative Culture
 
9. Conclusion
 
References
 
Index

"A terrific manual for small schools or conversion efforts. The authors provide tools and a logical road map and show how educators can lead groups and engage the community in the rebuilding effort."

Sue Showers, Education Consultant

"From methods of establishing new schools to instructing in a small school setting, school leaders receive specific tips tailored to not just creating the small school environment, but managing it more effectively."

California Bookwatch, August 2007
Key features
  • A-Z guide to creating a small high school
  • Authors have years of successful experience working with individual schools and groups of schools, taking them through the entire process
  • Manual has already been field-tested by dozens of schools going through the process
  • Full of short case examples of schools that have successfully navigated the process
  • Hands-on tools and resources

Sample Materials & Chapters

Preface

Chapter 1


Purchasing options

For large school/district orders, volume discounts, availability and shipping times contact customer service at 800-233-9936
or order@corwin.com.

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ISBN: 9781412941785
CAD$ 55.95

For large school/district orders, volume discounts, availability and shipping times contact customer service at 800-233-9936
or order@corwin.com.

For instructors